Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a storied Latin American holiday that honors the dead with festivals and lively celebrations. Originating with the Nahua peoples of Mexico and dating back 3,000 years, the historically rich tradition integrates pre-Columbian and Catholic customs. Día de los Muertos is most often celebrated on November 1st and 2nd (dates vary by region and may be longer) in connection with the Catholic Holy Days of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. For many Latin American countries, it is a time to honor and greet loved ones who have passed away as they return to be with the living each year. The celebration serves as a time for families and friends to gather and honor the continuum of life and death.

Viva la Vida: Celebrating 35 Years of Mexic-Arte Museum’s Día de los Muertos is an exhibition presenting the Museum’s 35 year quest to educate the public about the Day of the Dead’s significance. Through the presentation of art, ofrendas, and archival materials from the past 35 years, the exhibition highlights Mexic-Arte Museum’s impact on the Austin community. Viva la Vida: Celebrating 35 Years of Mexic-Arte Museum’s Día de los Muertos examines the Museum’s role in shaping the holiday in Central Texas by combining seemingly disparate elements in the celebration: popular with traditional materials, sacred with secular objects, personal with social issues, and popular art with contemporary expressions. The exhibition not only represents a historical survey of the Museum’s efforts to bring Dia de los Muertos to Austin, but serves as a testament to the holiday’s unique character in the region.